The Making of Beads & Brass

Jan 19, 2017

Tchoup Industries founder Patti Dunn teamed up with local textile designer Abby Wetsman to create the 2017 limited edition Mardi Gras collection Beads & Brass, and we documented every step of the way. Here's a behind the scenes look of the work that went into the bright canvas panels painted by thrown Mardi Gras Beads.

Step 1 - Dyeing the Fabric

Abby used scrap canvas leftover from an unrelated tablecloth project. The bright white didn't give us the look we wanted, so after exploring multiple options, we decided to use a natural dye called tannin.

Abby dipped old Mardi Gras beads into paint before throwing them down onto the dyed fabric. Painted shapes left behind have the movement of airborne throws and bright colors hint at the costumes of our beloved Mardi Gras day.